Vomeronasal receptor type 2 (V2R)

Vomeronasal receptor type 2 (V2R) is a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belonging to the Class C (metabotropic glutamate receptor-like) group. These receptors are primarily expressed in the basal layer of the vomeronasal organ (VNO), a specialized chemosensory structure in many vertebrates [6, 14]. V2Rs are distinguished by a large extracellular N-terminal domain that facilitates the sensing of non-volatile peptide and protein ligands, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) peptides and major urinary proteins (MUPs) [12, 14]. In rodents and other mammals, V2R signaling is mediated through the G-protein subunit Gαo, leading to the activation of phospholipase C and the opening of TRPC2 ion channels [1, 11]. These interactions are essential for mediating social recognition, mate selection, and reproductive behaviors in diverse animal species [5, 13]. In humans, however, the V2R gene family has undergone comprehensive pseudogenization, and the VNO itself is considered vestigial or non-functional in adults [6, 9]. Due to this evolutionary loss of function, Vomeronasal receptor type 2 is not currently utilized as a therapeutic target in clinical medicine, and there are no approved pharmacological agents developed to interact with this receptor family in a human context [12].

Other names

VMN2RVomeronasal type-2 receptorPheromone receptor V2RPheromone receptor type 2VNR2VN2

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